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Oklahomans working to grow the state’s biosciences industry can learn about ways to fund research and advance new discoveries at the 2014 BioSummit on March 26 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Hosted by the Oklahoma Bioscience Association, the BioSummit will feature experts in scientific discovery, commercialization and funding who will share their insights with scientists and entrepreneurs from across the state.
Topics will include funding fundamentals, partners and exit strategies, drug repurposing, positioning for early stage investments and key elements of marketing and interacting with the bio industry.
“We’re pleased to be able to bring together experts in drug discovery, funding and company development for this one-day BioSummit,” said Scott Meacham, CEO of i2E Inc., which manages the Oklahoma Bioscience Association. “Our researchers and bioscience entrepreneurs will benefit greatly from the experiences of those who have been through the drug discovery and commercialization process before.”
Speakers will include Scott Meacham, president and CEO, i2E, Inc., William Paiva, managing director of the Oklahoma Life Science Fund; Von Allen, director of development at the University of Oklahoma and the Stephenson Cancer Center; Clayton Duncan, CEO at Accele Biopharma; Doug Branch, director, PhillipsMurrah, Dennis Shafer, president and CEO, Altheus Therapeutics; and William A. Hagstrom president and CEO, Crescendo Bioscience, Elaine Hamm, Director, Proof of Concept Center and Venture Advisor, i2E, Inc. and Vikas Sharma, Director, Business Development, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals & former Manager, Business Development, MedImmune.
Awards to be given
Following the BioSummit, conference attendees will be joined by other community leaders for the Oklahoma BioScience Awards Dinner. Four awards will be presented to recognize individuals and organizations that have worked to advance the state’s biosciences industry.
The honors include the Hall of Fame Leadership Award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and assisted in the creation and advancement of bioscience companies; Researcher Recognition Award, honoring a researcher advancing scientific knowledge in their area of expertise and promoting continued excellence in research; Community Recognition Award, recognizing an individual or company for making significant contributions to Oklahoma’s bioscience industry; and the Innovation Recognition Award, noting an individual or company who has been responsible for the creation of an innovative bioscience technology, product or service in the past three years that has led to potential commercial application.
“This will be a great evening of recognition for leading contributors to the state’s growing biosciences industry,” said Roy Williams, CEO of the Greater OKC Chamber, a leading sponsor for these events. “We’re looking forward to honoring these individuals and companies who have invested themselves in advancing bioscience in Oklahoma.”
Nominations for these awards will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Feb. 20. For more information, contact Katelynn Henderson at [email protected] or (405) 813-2428 or visit www.i2E.org or www.okbio.org for nomination forms.
